The Twister Submission is a rare but devastating technique in mixed martial arts (MMA). It is a spinal lock that involves twisting the opponent’s body to put pressure on their spine, neck, and ribs. The technique is named after the 1996 movie “Twister,” which was popular at the time when the submission was first developed.
The Twister Submission is a highly technical move that requires a great deal of skill and training to execute properly. It is a favorite among practitioners of the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system, which Eddie Bravo developed. The move has been used successfully in several high-profile MMA fights, including the first-ever Twister submission in UFC history by Chan Sung Jung, also known as “The Korean Zombie.” Since then, only one other fighter, Bryce Mitchell, has been able to pull off the Twister Submission in the UFC.
What is the Twister Submission?
The Twister Submission is a grappling technique used in mixed martial arts (MMA) and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). It is a spinal lock that targets the cervical spine and can cause significant pain and damage if executed correctly. The Twister is a relatively new submission that has gained popularity in the MMA community in recent years.
The Twister involves twisting and contorting the opponent’s body in a manner that creates tension and pressure on the cervical spine. The goal is to force the opponent’s head towards one of their shoulders while twisting the lower body to the opposite side. This results in a lateral hyperflexion of the cervical spine, which can lead to severe pain and even injury.
The Twister is a highly technical submission that requires a great deal of skill and knowledge to execute correctly. It can be applied from a variety of positions, including the back mount, side control, and turtle position. The submission is particularly effective against opponents who have a tendency to leave their neck exposed or who have a weak neck.
While the Twister is a highly effective submission, it is also a risky one. If not executed correctly, the technique can cause serious injury to the opponent. As such, it is important to train with a skilled instructor and practice the move with caution. Additionally, the Twister is an illegal move in many BJJ competitions, so it is important to understand the rules and regulations of any competition in which you plan to participate.
How to Perform the Twister Submission
The Twister Submission is a highly effective submission technique in MMA that involves twisting the opponent’s neck and spine. It is a dangerous move that can cause serious injury if not executed correctly. Here are the steps to perform the Twister Submission:
Step 1: Establish Back Control
To perform the Twister Submission, you need to establish back control on your opponent. This means getting behind them and wrapping your legs around their waist while controlling their upper body with your arms.
Step 2: Trap the Arm and Leg
Once you have back control, you need to trap one of your opponent’s arms and legs. This can be done by hooking your leg over their leg and using your arm to trap their arm.
Step 3: Secure the Neck and Spine
With one of your opponent’s arms and legs trapped, you need to secure their neck and spine. This can be done by placing your arm across their neck and pulling their head towards you while using your other arm to control their upper body.
Step 4: Twist the Body
Finally, you need to twist your body to put pressure on your opponent’s neck and spine. This can be done by pulling your opponent towards you with your arms while pushing your hips in the opposite direction.
It is important to note that the Twister Submission is a dangerous move that should only be attempted by experienced MMA fighters under the supervision of a trained coach. Improper execution of this submission can cause serious injury to your opponent.
When to Use the Twister Submission
The Twister submission is a highly effective technique that can catch your opponent off guard and lead to a quick victory. However, it is important to use this technique strategically and with caution. Here are some situations where the Twister submission can be especially effective:
Against Opponents with Weak Neck Muscles
If you notice that your opponent has weak neck muscles, the Twister submission can be a great option. This technique puts a lot of pressure on the neck and spine, and can cause serious discomfort or even injury if performed correctly. Make sure to apply the technique slowly and carefully, and be prepared to release it quickly if your opponent taps out or shows signs of injury.
As a Surprise Attack
The Twister submission is not a commonly used technique, which makes it a great option for surprising your opponent. If your opponent is not familiar with this technique, they may not see it coming and may be caught off guard. Use the Twister submission as a surprise attack to gain the upper hand in the fight.
In MMA Competitions
The Twister submission can be especially effective in MMA competitions, where fighters are often looking for unique and unexpected techniques to gain an advantage. If you are competing in an MMA competition, consider using the Twister submission as a surprise attack or as a way to finish off your opponent quickly and decisively.
Remember, the Twister submission should only be used in situations where it is appropriate and safe to do so. Make sure to practice this technique carefully and with a partner who is experienced and knowledgeable about the submission. With proper training and execution, the Twister submission can be a powerful and effective tool in your MMA arsenal.
Famous Fighters who have Used the Twister Submission
The Twister Submission is a rare and difficult submission to execute in mixed martial arts (MMA). However, there have been a few famous fighters who have successfully used this technique in their fights.
Chan Sung Jung
Chan Sung Jung, also known as “The Korean Zombie,” is credited with being the first fighter to execute the Twister Submission in the UFC. He did so in his fight against Leonard Garcia at UFC Fight Night 24 in 2011. This submission earned him the Submission of the Night award and cemented his place in MMA history.
Joe Lauzon
Joe Lauzon is another fighter who has successfully used the Twister Submission in the UFC. He executed the move in his fight against Jamie Varner at UFC on Fox 4 in 2012. This submission earned him the Submission of the Night award and showcased his grappling skills to the world.
Eddie Bravo
Eddie Bravo is not a fighter but is a well-known Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor who popularized the Twister Submission. He is credited with developing the technique and teaching it to his students, including Chan Sung Jung and Joe Lauzon.
Other Fighters
While the Twister Submission is not a common technique used in MMA, there have been a few other fighters who have successfully executed it in their fights. These include:
- Vinny Magalhaes
- Alan Belcher
- Brett Johns
It is worth noting that the Twister Submission is a difficult move to execute and requires a high level of skill and technique. Therefore, it is not surprising that only a few fighters have successfully used it in their fights.
In conclusion, the Twister Submission is a rare and difficult technique to execute in MMA. However, there have been a few famous fighters who have successfully used it in their fights, including Chan Sung Jung, Joe Lauzon, and Eddie Bravo.
Conclusion
The Twister Submission has become a popular and effective technique in MMA and submission grappling, thanks to its inventor Eddie Bravo. This neck crank wrestling maneuver has been modified and popularized by Bravo for submission grappling and MMA. The Twister is considered the holy grail of submissions from the truck position, and it has been successfully pulled off by MMA fighters such as Shinya Aoki, Chan Sung Jung (The Korean Zombie), and Angela Lee.
Learning the Twister Submission requires practice, and it is not easy to pull off in a real fight. However, it is a versatile technique that can be hit from numerous positions, and once it’s locked in, the match is all but over. Even if you can’t use the Twister in competitions using IBJJF rules, this shouldn’t stop you from learning the move.
The Twister Submission is not for everyone, and it requires a certain level of skill and experience to execute effectively. However, for those who have mastered it, the Twister can be a game-changer in any fight. Like any other technique in MMA, the key to success is practice, dedication, and a willingness to learn and improve.
In conclusion, the Twister Submission is a powerful and effective technique that has become a staple of MMA and submission grappling. With its versatility and effectiveness, it is a technique that every MMA fighter and submission grappler should learn and master.
